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Dutch navy receives first modernised LCUs

By Kate Tringham |

The first two of four renovated LCU Mk IIs have been delivered back to the RNLN after completing their mid-life upgrade programme. (The Netherlands MoD)

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) took delivery of its first two upgraded Mk II landing craft utility (LCUs) on 23 January, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

Work was carried out by De Haas Shipyards at its shipyard in Rotterdam. De Haas Shipyards is conducting the mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme for four Dutch Mk II LCUs in total under a contract awarded in 2022. The remaining units will be redelivered later in 2025 and in 2026, the MoD said.

The MLU will enable the LCUs to remain in service until at least 2032, as well as increasing their endurance and providing the capability to support small craft.

Work includes modernisation of the crew and mess facilities to enhance endurance, a complete overhaul of the hull and structure, upgrading the machinery and propulsion systems to increase range, the provision of stores to enable a logistic support capability, improvements to the command-and-control system, and the addition of ballistic protection. As part of the effort, the vessel has been equipped with new sleeping quarters, new generators have been installed, the exhausts have been moved towards the stern of the ship, and the wheelhouse has been replaced.

The RNLN has a total of five heavy LCU Mk IIs, each of which can carry a full company of 130 marines ashore or transport 65 tonnes of equipment. Four (two each) of the LCUs are allocated to the RNLN's landing platform docks (LPDs) Rotterdam (L 800) and Johan de Witt (L 801). The remaining craft is used for training and maintenance.

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